Human Resources Director

Salary Range: 100k – 145k

FLSA Status: Exempt

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

The Human Resources Director serves as a strategic leader and advisor to City leadership, overseeing all aspects of human resources operations and workforce strategy. This role supports the City’s mission by fostering an inclusive, equitable, and legally compliant work environment; enhancing organizational effectiveness; and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence. The Director is responsible for aligning human resources practices with the City’s strategic goals to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing and engaged workforce.  

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements comprehensive Human Resources strategies aligned with the City's strategic goals and operational objectives;

• Designs and promotes workplace practices that reflect the City’s mission, core values, ethics, and commitment to an inclusive and equitable organizational culture;

• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with elected officials, department heads, and other stakeholders to guide organizational development and improve workforce outcomes;

• Researches and recommends evidence-based strategies in talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, and payroll administration to ensure competitive and legally compliant practices;

• Partners with department heads to assess workforce needs and staffing requirements; leads and oversees the full-cycle recruitment and selection process, including the development, review, and classification of job descriptions, and the establishment of legally compliant, equitable, and job-related selection criteria;

• Provides guidance and recommendations to the City Manager on job classification and compensation structures; prepares and maintains current classification and pay plan documentation;

• Leverages workforce analytics and HR metrics to evaluate organizational performance, drive strategic decisions, and improve service delivery;

• Designs and monitors key Human Resources indicators to guide workforce planning, policy development, and operational improvements;

• Evaluates external labor market trends and benchmark data to inform compensation studies and benefit program enhancements; ensures alignment with internal equity and fiscal responsibility;

• Develops, administers, and monitors the Human Resources department budget; ensures alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal policies, and identifies opportunities for cost-effective resource allocation and program improvement;

• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; leads training and compliance initiatives to ensure HR practices meet current legal standards (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII);

• Manages and leads the Human Resources department, including staff supervision, performance management, workload planning, and continuous professional development;

• Assesses organizational processes, identifies people-related risks, and implements mitigation strategies that support operational continuity and legal compliance;

• Administers the City’s retirement and defined benefit programs in coordination with plan administrators, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations;

• Oversees the investigation and resolution of employee relations matters, including grievances, complaints, and workplace conflicts; ensures fair and impartial processes in line with City policies and legal standards;

• Interprets and applies personnel policies and procedures with sound judgment and discretion while maintaining consistency, transparency, and legal integrity

• Performs other related duties as required;

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

 

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management, Public Administration, or closely related field required; five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in human resources management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS 

 

Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM) preferred.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

• Expert knowledge of public sector human resources practices, including classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, performance management, and employee development;

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, HIPAA, EEOC, COBRA), and their application in municipal settings;

• Thorough understanding of the structure, functions, and operations of municipal government and the interrelationships among departments;

• Knowledge of organizational mission, vision, values, and the role of HR in reinforcing and advancing the City’s culture and strategic goals;

• Knowledge of core management principles including strategic planning, operational leadership, change management, and performance measurement;

• Knowledge of procurement processes and best practices for vendor management, contract negotiation, and the development and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs);

• Working knowledge of project management methodologies and tools as applied to HR programs and organizational initiatives;

• Familiarity with public pension systems, including regulatory requirements under ERISA, IRS guidelines, and principles of actuarial and investment management;

• Understanding of municipal budgeting practices, financial planning, and fiscal accountability;

• Knowledge of organizational development and change management theories, tools, and implementation techniques;

• Proficient in the use of HR technologies, information systems (e.g., HRIS), and data analytics to support decision-making and process improvement;

• Skilled in developing and managing departmental budgets and financial resources efficiently;

• Advanced skills in designing, implementing, and administering HR policies, systems, and programs;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft policies, reports, presentations, and deliver clear messages to diverse audiences;

• Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and maintaining professionalism in complex and sensitive employee relations matters;

• Proficient in conducting research, analyzing complex issues, and developing data-informed recommendations;

• Skilled in organizational design, workforce planning, and talent optimization strategies;

• Competent in both qualitative and quantitative methods for analysis, interpretation, and strategic planning;

• Ability to lead, develop, and evaluate a high-performing HR team while promoting accountability, inclusion, and innovation;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, sound judgment, and compliance in handling sensitive personnel matters and records;

• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate new and revised HR practices in alignment with legal requirements and organizational needs;

• Ability to analyze complex administrative challenges and develop effective solutions;

• Ability to establish trust, foster collaboration, and communicate with credibility across all levels of the organization;

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex regulations, contracts, and policy documents;

• Ability to respond appropriately to sensitive or high-profile inquiries and concerns from elected officials, employees, and the public;

• Ability to present HR data, initiatives, and outcomes in a compelling and accessible way to a variety of audiences;

• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with City leadership, employees, external partners, and community stakeholders;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 

The work is typically performed in a professional office environment and may require light to moderate physical effort. Duties may involve:

• Physical activities such as sitting or standing for extended periods, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, stooping, lifting or carrying items up to 25 pounds, and performing repetitive hand motions (e.g., typing, writing).

• Motor skills including fine finger dexterity, handling, grasping, and use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, and printers.

• Sensory abilities including adequate vision for reading and reviewing documents and screens, hearing for verbal communication and audio signals, and clear speech for effective interaction with others.

• Cognitive and mental demands including sustained concentration, attention to detail, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

• Occasional attendance at evening or off-site meetings may be required.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

The incumbent operates in a dynamic and evolving environment that requires a high degree of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and responsiveness to shifting organizational goals, priorities, workforce needs, and regulatory requirements.